JourneyRock UK interviews Cassidy

[tater1977]

Cassidy Catanzaro exclusive interview

http://www.journeyrock.co.uk/cassidy%20interview.php

Thank you for granting JourneyRock UK this interview.
Of course.

Is this your first solo album?
I’d have to say yes. I released some archived material and a small, live EP while I was transitioning out of my former band Antigone Rising, but this is for sure the most thought out and publicized work I’ve done as a solo artist.

Did you write all the songs on this ‘Follow the Freedom’? (If not, who collaborated with you on the writing?)
I wrote the melodies and lyrics on everything. Some songs I wrote completely alone. And on some songs I co-wrote the music with either Brian Chiusano or Dov Rosenblatt. Both guys bring so much to the table. I love their contributions.

How long did this album take from concept to final mix?
Gosh. Concept I think came as soon as I wrote the first song Everything Sunshine. I realized at that moment the days of angst ridden drama rock were behind me and I was about to embark on a much lighter journey. It was almost like the concept told me what the concept was, lol! So, I’d say two years from top to tail.

(And this question is from our sound engineer fan) – Where was the album recorded / mixed? How long were you in the studio?
Hi sound engineer fan!  May I just say how important your job is and how I covet your skills? We recorded the album in my engineer and co-producer Don Boyette’s personal studio in West Hollywood California. It’s a vibey little place that you would never know was there from the outside. Don gets great sounds and we have a real short hand. So we had all we needed. And I mixed in two places…The Capitol Records building in Hollywood and also in North Hollywood, again in a little privately owned studio.

How did Steve Perry get involved? Would you tell us about the time you spent with him in the studio?
Steve appeared quite suddenly during the mixing process. He heard the music being worked on and poked his head in to see what it was. I wasn’t there at that point, but when I arrived later the engineer said there was a fan waiting inside to meet me and up stands Steve Perry. I was stunned! So I said “you taught me how to sing”! To which he replied, “I did? Well no wonder you sound so good”! I cracked up…and was immediately disarmed. He ended up returning every day and involving himself in the mix, giving suggestions and then even coming up with a backing vocal for Follow The Freedom. Next thing I knew, he and I were standing around a microphone together singing these harmonies and stacking them Journey style. It was insane….I had to remind myself to breathe…and I’m sure I said something along the lines of “voice don’t fail me now”!
He was lovely, and generous. I begged him to make another album, as anyone would! A few weeks later he attended a show of mine and I saw him in the back singing the words. I mean, can we just pause for a moment and allow that to wash over us? Yeah…it was pretty incredible!

We see from your website http://www.bohemeartist.com/ you spent some time in London would you tell us a little about that period in your life?
I am smiling ear to ear. I learned so much living in London. I shared a house with a gaggle of musicians in Shepherd’s Bush. Guys from all different bands from around town would come by every day. It was a real scene. Max Beasley would hang out there a lot and Jeremy and Adrian Meehan. I know they’ve gone on to do great things. They were all so talented and I just soaked it in. I believe I learned a real sense of melody and how to craft a song through being around such talented guys. I got to sing Jazz three nights a week at a place called Le Odeon in Trafalgar Square and I even got to play Ronnie Scott’s. I didn’t want to leave, but it was difficult to keep renewing my visa and after 2 years you all kicked me back across the pond. It’s been a long time since I’ve returned but the dream is to return with a successful album. 

You have also been involved in the acting profession – any plans to continue on the stage or the movies?
Absolutely. There are always opportunities coming in. With the album and the success we’re having at radio in the U.S., it’s just a matter of making it all work together.

Will you just tour the USA or venture further? Any plans to bring the tour to the UK?
For sure! I’m hoping you guys get a hold of it and like what you hear.

How long do you plan to tour? How many tracks from this album will you sing on the tour?
The touring is open ended. I’ll be out for a short run starting this week, but no plans to stop as long as people want to see us live. We’ll do most of the songs….but the show will vary from night to night. No need to bore ourselves out there.

If you could duet with a singer (live or in the studio) who would it be and why?
Oh no. This is a tough one. I’d say Sting. Mainly because I feel he and I are committed to a similar message. He reaches billions of people, me…dozens. But hey, maybe that’ll change right? I think his lyrics are stunning and his voice is magical. But mostly, what he stands for really resonates with me.

Thanks again for this interview, we want to wish you all our good wishes for a successful tour and album sales.
Many thanks to you as well.

[sp old ldy]

Cassidy is a beautiful person inside and out and I love her voice, especially since Steve taught her how to use it!!